Tachapol is 1st NSF chief
The National Savings Fund (NSF), a universal pension plan to be launched in May next year, has appointed its first secretary-general.
Tachapol Kanjanakul, currently senior executive vice president of the Government Savings Bank (GSB), was appointed to the secretary-general post by the NSF's board, according to Areepong Bhoocha-oom, the Finance Ministry's permanent secretary.
Areepong said Tachapol's name would be submitted to Finance Minister Thirachai Phuvanatnaranubala. If Thirachai approves the choice, the nomination will be forwarded to the Cabinet.
Tachapol is in charge of financial management at the GSB. It is hoped that his experience in managing portfolios worth as much as Bt250 billion will translate into good returns for the fund. His performance at the bank has won approval from the board of the NSF, according to a source on the board. If approved, Tachapol will be appointed to a four-year term, which can be extended for another four years if his performance impresses the board.
Tachapol was previously a candidate for the presidency of the Government Housing Bank, but he was passed over for the post.
The Finance Ministry has
agreed to allocate Bt900 million to cover the NSF's administrative expenses.
About 24 million labourers not covered by the existing Social Security Fund would benefit from the scheme.
Four honorary NSF board members have also been appointed: Prasong Winaipaet, deputy secretary-general of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as a legal expert; Urai Rompoyok, adviser to the Comptroller-General's Department, as an accountancy expert; Kampanart Lohacharoenvanich, SEC board member, as an investment expert; and Paiboon Siripanusatien, GSB board member, as a community-welfare expert.
